BIDDEFORD — The process of accreditation for a school recognizes that increasing student achievement involves more than improving instruction. It takes dedication, hard work and insight that serves as a catalyst for innovation, continuing improvement and excellence.   

With that in mind, St. James School in Biddeford has earned accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and met 14 standards and 130 key indicators evaluated by a visiting team of evaluators from the organization.

The review was conducted last fall and examined the school’s mission, core values, programs, policies, planning, decision-making, resources, faculty, assessment, safety, communications and self-study.

St. James Principal Nancy Naimey said earning accreditation was a collaborative process that involved everyone associated with the school.

“It started with surveys to parents, students, and staff about their thoughts on the school,” Naimey said. “Then, St. James wrote a 110 page self-study which spoke on how St. James met the 14 standards and 130 indicators of the NEASC Catholic Schools Edition. All faculty and staff were involved in writing the self-study and voting on all parts. That includes food service workers, secretaries, custodians, and school board members. Parents and students had input.”

She said that the goal was to write the most honest self-study so St. James School could continuously improve. 

“All entities saw the strengths and weaknesses and how we could prioritize those items,” she said. “The teachers and staff worked together and were very dedicated throughout the process.  It took a great deal of time in school and out of school to write this self study which was a true reflection of our school.”

The accrediiation team consisted of five different educators from all over New England and they interviewed parents, teachers, and students.

Naimey said that times were set up so everyone could talk individually with the visiting team and they could give their opinions.   

“The visiting team also went in and out of every classroom to get a true sense of the school. When it was over, they had some very nice things to say about the school,” Naimey said. “One thing stuck out to me. They said that you cannot fake the family feel of the school. Teachers are truly devoted and care about each and every student.”  

According to Naimey, the school was notified by phone earlier this month that it had earned full accreditation. 

“We were told that many schools have to do specific things within the first two year to improve but St. James School will just have to work on the two-year report, which is standard to let the commission know how we are doing on the recommendations that they set forth,” she said. One commission member said, ‘This is obviously a strong school, why did they wait so long to be accredited?'”

In a letter to the school,  Jay S. Stroud, director of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, complimented the school for being held in high esteem in the area.

“The school community’s commitment  to living its mission and evidencing its Catholic identity should be a source of great pride as the school moves forward,” Stroud wrote. “Your outreach to the community is a testament to your ability to put faith into action.”

Stroud wrote that he commended the principal, faculty and staff of St. James for their passionate commitment to the students as evidenced in their implementation of differeniated learning practices, STREAM initiatives, and enrichment programs.

Naimey said earning accrediation is just the first step in ensuring the school remains a viable educational institution in the community for years to come. 

“St. James School is dedicated to being the best that it can be and will continually look for the best ways to meet the needs of its students,” Naimey said.  

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com.